In its annual Student Barometer study, Sweden’s United Student Unions (SFS) asked 6,642 students questions about completing their education, and how they view the work and working conditions at institutions of higher learning.
Many of the respondents who considered giving up studying had ethnic backgrounds other than Swedish, were gay or bisexual, or had disabilities.
More than 20 percent of students polled indicated stress related to studying as the main reason for wanting to quit.
And about one in six listed difficulties with money as also a major factor for them wanting to stop studying.
Approximately one in ten of the students polled indicated having a hard time keeping pace; the poor quality of their education; difficulties fitting in, and/or unclear requirements as other reasons why they considered quitting their studies.
Just under 40 percent of those polled noted that they needed or need special help from their schools. And of those, 40 percent indicated that they didn’t receive the help they needed.
The poll results have led SFS to suggest several measures to address the problems including increased financial aid and resources for students; more locally tailored solutions with a focus on the individual; and a better relationship between education and the job market.
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